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HelpTest Code QNKS Natural Killer (NK)/Natural Killer T-Cell Subsets, Quantitative, Blood
Ordering Guidance
This assay does not measure cell-surface or intracellular proteins on natural killer or natural killer T-cell subsets.
A minimum CD45 lymph count (as measured by flow cytometry in the laboratory) is required to report this test. If that requirement is not met (eg, patients with severe lymphopenia), the test will be canceled and an alternate test will be suggested (TBBS / Quantitative Lymphocyte Subsets: T, B, and Natural Killer [NK] Cells, Blood).
Shipping Instructions
Send specimen Monday through Thursday only. Specimen must arrive within 24 hours of collection and by 10 a.m. Central time on Friday.
Collect and package specimen as close to shipping time as possible. Ship specimen overnight.
Necessary Information
The ordering healthcare professional's name and phone number are required.
Specimen Required
Container/Tube: Green top (sodium heparin)
Specimen Volume: 3 mL
Collection Instructions: Send whole blood specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.
Additional Information: For serial monitoring, it is recommended that specimens are collected at the same time of day.
Useful For
Quantitation of the major natural killer (NK)-cell subsets relative to total NK cells (NK cell subsets) or total lymphocytes (NK T cells)
Assessment in the following clinical contexts: HIV, primary immune deficiencies with NK cell defects, NK-cell lymphocytosis, solid-organ transplantation, immune reconstitution following bone marrow or hematopoietic cell transplantation
This test is not useful for diagnosis or classification of NK cell malignancies.
This test should not be used for assessing NK cell cytotoxic function.
Method Name
Flow Cytometry
Reporting Name
Quantitative NK/NKT SubsetsSpecimen Type
WB Sodium HeparinSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| WB Sodium Heparin | Ambient | 30 hours | GREEN TOP/HEP |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
Reference Values
The appropriate age-related reference values will be provided on the report. Pediatric reference values are not available for patients younger than 7 years and therefore, interpretation will be based on the 7- to 17-year old ranges with appropriate cautionary statements in the interpretation.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
3 to 4 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed using an analyte specific reagent. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
86356 x3
86359
86357
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| QNKS | Quantitative NK/NKT Subsets | 98073-0 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| QNKSI | Quantitative NK/NKT Interpretation | 69052-9 |
| NKA45 | Total Lymphs (CD45+) | 27071-0 |
| NKP3N | % Total CD45+CD3- cells | 89311-5 |
| NKA3N | Total CD45+CD3- cells | 89313-1 |
| NKP | % Total NK Cells | 8112-5 |
| NKA | Total NK Cells | 9728-7 |
| NKPCY | % Cytotoxic NK (CD16++CD56+) | 42189-1 |
| NKACY | Cytotoxic NK (CD16++CD56+) | 42188-3 |
| NK56P | % Cytokine-Producing NK (CD56++) | 8133-1 |
| NK56A | Cytokine-Producing NK (CD56++) | 14113-5 |
| NKPL3 | % Total CD45+CD3+ Cells | 56907-9 |
| NKAL3 | Total CD45+CD3+ Cells | 89312-3 |
| NKTP | % NKT cells (CD3+CD56+) | 17135-5 |
| NKTA | NKT cells (CD3+CD56+) | 26858-1 |